Calcium is frequently taken by people to treat the following conditions:

• Heart issues – Arrhythmias brought on by hyperkalemia (high levels of blood potassium) can be reversed by intravenously (IV) administering calcium gluconate.
• Bone problems in adults – The two bone diseases osteoporosis  and Osteomalacia can be improved and fractures can be avoided with calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
• Bone problems in children – Calcium and vitamin D tablets may be used to treat Osteomalacia in children.
• Prevents tooth loss – Supplements high in calcium and vitamin D help older people avoid tooth loss.
• Indigestion – Calcium carbonate when taken orally as an antacid works well for reducing indigestion.

Food sources

• Dairy products – Milk, yogurt, cheese, etc.
• Vegetables – green leafy vegetables like okra, spinach, curly kale, broccoli, and Chinese cabbage.
• Fruits – citrus fruit juices fortified.
• Nuts and seeds – almonds, sesame seeds, chia seeds.
• Fishes – Sardines, salmons, etc.
• Calcium-fortified food and beverage – soy products, cereals, fruit juices, milk substitutes, etc.

Supplements

• In addition to calcium carbonate, calcium gluconate, calcium lactate, and calcium citrate are also available as calcium supplements.

If a person consumes more calcium than 1500 mg per day, they may experience adverse effects like,

• Abdomen pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Flatulence.

Adults aged 19 to 50 have an upper limit (UL) of 2500 mg, and those over 50 have a UL of 2000 mg. There is a greater possibility of experiencing severe side effects if a person takes more than this each day as follows:

• Kidney stones.
• Dry mouth.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Heart attack.

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers – Higher amounts of calcium could make the infant more prone to seizures. Do not forget to take into account the overall calcium consumption from both dietary and supplemental calcium sources.
• Children – Children should not consume more calcium than what they need each day, just enough to meet their needs.
• Achlorhydria – Those who have this condition are recommended to take calcium supplements with meals as they will absorb less calcium if taken on an empty stomach.
• Kidney disorders – Calcium supplementation by people with kidney diseases can lead to excessive calcium levels.